The Problem with the Word "NO"

I have been having a problem with my children lately. They seem to like to say “NO” when told what to do. I should not be surprised at this, every child has gone through it, the first one surprised me and made me laugh, I said to Missy, “Isn’t that cute, she said NO! : )” I find it less amusing these days.Things I am learning.

Kids have a sinful nature! The word “NO” confirms this to me, not only the word but the attitude they convey it with. O.k. it is not just kids but adults as well, saying “No” is universal. I am forced to think about how many times by my life I say “No” to God through the day. I would like to separate my rebellious “NO’s” and rationalize how come I say “NO” and reserve the right to discipline my children for theirs, and because of that I feel like a hypocrite. I am forced to repent of my sins and as God to give me wisdom because of this turmoil and double standard (romans 2:21).
Second thing I learn about “NO” is, usually in my children it is because they do not understand what is at stake. Like they don’t understand that a wooden spoon or Mr. Boo Boo buns is in their future and they don’t understand why obedience is important. Back to me, I think this is a lot of my problem. I really think (and it shows by my actions) I can decide which things I like about what God is saying too me, like when I want to remain mad at someone who God died for and decided he loved them enough to make a way, yet I want to harbor my anger! Thankyou God that you are not like me and your ways are so different! (Isa 55:8-9) and so much higher than my ways.
The word “No” is found in man, but the word “YES” is found in the Person of Jesus Christ.

^{2 Cor 1:18}As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No. ¹⁹For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. ²⁰For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. ²¹And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, ²²and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

The answer is always “YES” in Jesus Christ. And my encouragement is that I ask God the Father to forgive me for all my “NO” attitudes today, the answer is YES in Jesus Christ I forgive you. I am thankful for His Grace today. God help me to be a YES person. Help me turn my “NO’s” into YES’s.

yes

Pastor Tone

The Problem with the Word “NO”